Saints Draft Tight End Moliki Matavao at 248th Overall

Metairie, LA – The New Orleans Saints selected tight end Moliki Matavao from UCLA with the 248th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Matavao, a 6-foot-8 senior from Henderson, Nevada, had a notable career at both Oregon and UCLA. Throughout his college years, he emerged as a key player, earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors in 2023 and leading UCLA in receptions and receiving yards in 2024. Matavao finished his college career with 74 catches for 998 yards and five touchdowns.

“Moliki has the size and athletic ability to be a valuable asset in our offense,” said a team official. “His collegiate performance speaks volumes about his potential at the professional level.”

He also appeared on the John Mackey Award and Polynesian Player of the Year watch lists in 2024, highlighting his recognition among tight ends across the nation.

During the NFL Combine, Matavao exhibited impressive physical stats, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 263 pounds. He recorded a 4.81-second 40-yard dash and showcased a vertical jump of 32.5 inches.

Despite his size, NFL.com describes Matavao as a “big in-line tight end whose flashes as a pass catcher helped to improve his draft stock.” However, they noted concerns about his blocking abilities, saying he may need to enhance his techniques to solidify his role on the team.

The Saints did not select a tight end until this late in the draft, especially given their recent signing of Juwan Johnson to a three-year contract worth $30.8 million. The team is also facing injuries at the position, with Taysom Hill recovering from a torn ACL and Foster Moreau dealing with a knee injury.

With only one pick remaining in the draft, No. 254 overall, the Saints look to finalize their selections as they build their roster for the upcoming season.